The Best CPU for Gaming in 2024

Overview

The fastest processors with the most units in your financial reach are the best CPUs for gaming. The real kicker is that there are a plethora of excellent processors available right now at reasonable prices. The finest gaming CPU isn't Intel's all-singing at the top of the line, but one a bit further south. Make sure to look through our selection thoroughly before deciding on the best option for you!

• Best CPU for gaming overall: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-core

• Best budget-friendly for Intel builds: Intel Core i5-10400

• Best for function & performance: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X

• Best gaming CPU for $200 hands down: AMD Ryzen 5 3600

What to consider before buying the best CPUs for gaming?

When looking for the best gaming CPUs, you'll want to strike a balance between functions and durability while keeping your budget in mind. Although CPUs are long-lasting and may live for years with appropriate maintenance, PC technology is always changing. When combined with suitable current hardware, newer gaming CPUs employ faster clock rates and bigger cache sizes, resulting in better performance. Our recommendations below will assist you in selecting the finest CPUs for gaming.

1. CPU core count

Multiple cores are seen in mainstream gaming CPUs. Each of these cores functions as a separate processor, allowing the CPU to handle numerous tasks at the same time. Extra cores might help if you're utilizing your CPU for anything other than gaming, such as broadcasting gameplay while you're playing. A CPU with many cores may perform demands that a single-core CPU may struggle with.

2. CPU clock speed

The frame rate of a CPU is the number of cycles it can do in a second. When picking a CPU, it's a simple yet crucial factor to consider. In practice, the faster the clock speed per core is, the preferable. Meanwhile, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-core 4.6 GHz CPU speed is quite adequate. When shopping for a new CPU, aim for the fastest clock speeds you can afford while also ensuring you have the cores and threads you need for your operations.

3. Integrated graphics

If you deal with video production or broadcasting, integrated graphics might be quite useful. Intel Quick Sync Video, for example, is a technology integrated into recent Intel CPUs that swiftly compresses and demodulates video data, enabling disk space for other tasks. The only Intel CPUs without integrated graphics are those marked with an F. These are intended for those who are certain that their workstation will include a discrete GPU.

4. Laptop features

Consider Intel CPUs that begin with the letter H, such as the Intel CoreTM i7-10750H. These CPUs were created with the goal of maximising battery performance and reducing power consumption in portable computers.

5. Right Intel core processor

The qualities of the processor and chipset are frequently specified by the CPU version (i.e. 11th Gen, or 12th Gen). The greater the number, the more features the CPU has, such as more cores and threads, faster clock rates, and larger cache sizes. AMD's third-generation Ryzen CPUs have faster clock rates and thus more cores than the first and second-generation components, as AMD Ryzen 7 3700X is easily one of the best gaming CPUs available. These achievement tiers might help you discover the right mix of features for your needs.

6. Benchmarks

Looking for measurements that reflect how you want to use your PC is one of the greatest methods to help limit things even further. For instance, look for a certain title and the CPU type you're eyeing, then compare performance measures like FPS to locate the gaming processor that best suits your requirements. In some of the world's most popular games, AMD Ryzen 5 3600, for example, delivers ultra-fast 100+ FPS gameplay performance. Other components, like the system's GPU and RAM, will need to be evaluated as well, but this is an amazing resource for your search for the suitable CPU.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I confirm that my CPU is capable of running the most recent games?

Check to see whether it surpasses the technical specifications for the titles you wish to play. On either a tablet or a pc, AAA PC games will profit from an Intel CoreTM i7 or Intel CoreTM i9 CPU.

2. What CPU do I need to stream gameplay?

For best performance, a system with an Intel CoreTM i7 CPU or higher and at least 8GB of RAM is required for simultaneous gaming and broadcasting. If you want your gaming output to be as smooth as possible, an Intel CoreTM i9 CPU is the way to go.

3. What CPU do I need to run games at higher FPS?

A CPU with significant processing capabilities is required to maintain continuous frame rates beyond 60 frames per second. This will change depending on the version. Benchmarks can help you figure out what CPU you'll need.

It's essential to think about which model is best for your needs and the sort of gaming you do before purchasing a new processor. Our picks for the best CPUs for gaming in 2022 are all covered in this list.